2.5Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

2.5.1Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1.Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2.Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).

3.Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later use.

4.Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot.

5.Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6.Replace the system cover.

2.5.2Configuring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.

1.Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup.

2.Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3.Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. Refer to the table on the next page for details.

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Chapter 2: Hardware information

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Asus Striker Extreme manual Expansion slots, Installing an expansion card, Configuring an expansion card

Striker Extreme specifications

The Asus Striker Extreme is a high-performance motherboard designed primarily for enthusiasts and gamers who demand the best from their systems. Released as part of the Republic of Gamers (ROG) line-up, this motherboard is built around the NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI chipset, enabling exceptional performance in multi-GPU setups.

One of the standout features of the Striker Extreme is its support for NVIDIA SLI technology, allowing users to install multiple graphics cards to achieve higher frame rates and improved visual performance in games and applications. With its 5 PCI Express x16 slots, the motherboard facilitates extensive expandability options, making it an ideal choice for users looking to build a robust gaming rig.

The Striker Extreme also comes with advanced overclocking capabilities. The motherboard features the exclusive Asus AI Suite, which allows users to easily tweak various system settings, including voltage, FSB, and memory timings, directly from the Windows interface. This makes it accessible for both novice and experienced overclockers to fine-tune their systems for maximum performance without the need to dive into the BIOS frequently.

In terms of connectivity, the Striker Extreme offers an impressive set of features. It includes six SATA II ports for high-speed storage, supporting RAID configurations for enhanced data protection and performance. Additionally, the Realtek ALC882M sound chip provides excellent audio quality, along with support for 8-channel HD audio, creating a rich audio environment for gaming and multimedia applications.

For those who prioritize aesthetics, the Striker Extreme is adorned with striking LED lights and a sleek, black PCB design that complements any high-end build. Moreover, the motherboard features an LCD poster for easy troubleshooting, providing users with real-time status updates on boot processes and system health.

The Asus Striker Extreme also supports cutting-edge technologies such as DDR2 memory, allowing up to 8GB of RAM to be installed, which is crucial for modern gaming and multitasking. With an emphasis on performance, expandability, and ease of use, the Asus Striker Extreme is an excellent choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts looking to create a powerful and stylish desktop environment. Its rich feature set and robust design truly embody the capabilities expected from a top-tier motherboard in the gaming community.